The boom of solid shampoo: what to consider when trying it

2021-07-29T09:44:47.554Z

It has more unpredictable effects than liquid, but if it works, it generates both ecological and cosmetic benefits.

Ludmila moscato

07/29/2021 6:01 AM

Clarín.com
Good Life

Updated 7/29/2021 6:01 AM

Its benefits seem undeniable: it is more ecological, since it does not generate plastics and its elaboration requires less water, it lasts longer (both its effect on the hair and the product over time), it comes out less, and it is made with

natural ingredients.

However, it does not seem so easy to find the desired result, since it may require an

adaptation period

, or the one indicated for our hair type may not be so easily found.

How do you know if it is a trend to adhere to?

First of all, it is important to know

how

these products work: "The basic ingredients are those of soap, through the chemical saponification process, which consists of joining a fat with an alkali (a substance with a high pH)" says Andrés Politi, dermatologist from the Argentine Society of Dermatology (SAD) and Dr. Eugenia Cappetta, an expert dermatologist in hair.

And they continue: "This allows the water to 'unite' with the fats that are deposited on the hair and

eliminate them by dragging

. Because of this alkalinity, the use of vinegar (very low pH) is recommended for rinsing. Vinegar is recommended for rinsing. gives shine and elasticity ", they detail.

Although its result will depend on multiple factors, the truth is that its composition is aligned with a tendency to consume

natural products

"Solid shampoos have a natural origin, they are produced with plant ingredients such as shea butter, cornstarch, oatmeal, among others," explains SAD dermatologist Ana Tettamanti.

Hair with curlers should choose shampoos with coconut surfactants, argan oil or one with vegetable keratin.

Photo Shutterstock.

"The creation of these vegan products has the advantage of

not requiring plastic containers

for their packaging, in addition to being easy to transport, very comfortable when traveling, they are durable and allow to take care of the environment since they are biodegradable, therefore which do not generate toxicity, "he adds.

Oscar Fernández Roho, creative director, adds that by not having plastic and chemicals, the water that drains is not contaminated.

What's more.

ensures that these types of products leave hair clean for longer thanks to the

absence of sulfates and parabens

, since these are chemicals that sweep away a protective layer from the scalp.

Give it time, one of the keys

The stylist explains what detoxification consists of, which due to its duration can make those interested desist: "After choosing the shampoo, you have to try it and, above all, get used to it. There you enter an

adaptation phase

in which you have to accustom the hair to a 100% natural product, after years and years of harmful chemicals on the hair, "he says.

Fernández emphasizes that the desired results may take time to arrive

"Your hair may even be

rougher or more waxed

than usual.

Moreover,

if your hair is oily, it is possible that the scalp produces more sebum than normal. This happens because traditional shampoos remove the natural oils from the hair, causing it to be the scalp itself that has to overproduce them to compensate ", he assures.

"Nowadays, as the solid shampoo trend grew and more people became interested, they retouched the formula and the adaptation period

should be almost nil

, although I consider that it is like any

detox

and it takes time to heal and eliminate all the bad that one got ", he concludes.

For her part, Vanina Gegdyszman, a dermatologist specializing in Trichology, adds that the adaptation period occurs mainly in a type of solid shampoo: "

There are two types

: saponified or solid soap, and non-saponified or solid shampoo. of accustoming occurs mainly with the saponified ".

How to choose the right one

As Politi points out, when compared to liquid shampoo, it is true that the results

are more unpredictable.

Therefore, it is important to know how to choose the one that we think will suit our hair.

First, Politi argues that solid soaps are not suitable for scalps with

inflammatory problems

Therefore, although everyone can try it, it is necessary to take into account the previous conditions in the scalp, such as dermatitis or eczema.

For its part, Gegdyszman suggests paying attention to its

provenance

: "The main issue is that it is carried out in a reliable place, so it must be approved by the Anmat. As it is approved, it must have the complete list of components, as well as the date of production, "he says.

And he adds: "Cosmetics and hair are something very personal, if it is vaporous or very rainy, with the waves more or less armed. In what I do not do business is

in hygiene

and in what I call alarm guidelines regarding health of the scalp, as it may itch, hurt, trigger dandruff or increase hair loss ".

And he points out: "Solid shampoo is a

low poo

shampoo

, a type of shampoo with mild detergent. They can be used on scalps

that do not have a seborrheic or greasy tendency,

that do not present any pathology that needs a particular shampoo or hair with chemical processes" , details.

After years of traditional products, the use of shampoo bars may require a detox time.

Photo Shutterstock.

For this reason, the professional emphasizes the particularities of each individual: "The choice of shampoo must be done carefully, according to the

particular needs

of each scalp: if it is more or less greasy, if it has greater sensitivity, if there is flaking like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis; if you have any type of alopecia, "he says.

In turn, it is recommended to select it according to the

characteristics of the

hair

fiber

, as if it is hair that goes through dyeing.

“A scalp without particular needs, which can use a shampoo for daily use, can easily try solid shampoo.

What you will surely need is an adequate wash spreading it correctly throughout the scalp and using a stronger shampoo every 15 to 21 days, avoiding

build up

or accumulation of products ", proposes the dermatologist.

For his part, Fernández Roho also advises paying attention to the

type of hair,

since as indicated today almost all brands have a special one for each one.

"If you have dry hair, I recommend looking for one in which

butters and oils

predominate

(for example shea, cocoa, coconut, are ingredients that deeply nourish and close the hair fiber), and for oily hair that suffer from excess sebum it is advisable to use jojoba oil or green clay, essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint, which are refreshing and antibacterial. "

What to do if you have curly hair?

"For that type of hair, it may be a bit more difficult, but if you find a good choice of shampoo, I think you shouldn't have a problem. They are usually difficult to handle, but you can look for shampoos with

coconut surfactants, coconut oil. argan

or one with vegetable keratin ", he recommends.

Finally, for sensitive hair, he suggests avoiding those that have essential oils or those that perfume, so the pH of the skin is not modified, "that has ingredients such as calendula, oatmeal, chamomile", he closes.

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